Deaf Rugby Trailblazers: The Schischka Family’s Ponsonby Legacy!

2025
  • Deaf Sports
John Schischka shares stories about his father, Laurie, and uncles, John, Bob, and George – especially Laurie and Bob, who were both Deaf yet played for the Ponsonby senior rugby team. Their deafness never held them back on the field, though it did lead to some awkward moments, like having to backtrack after celebrating a try too soon because they didn’t hear the whistle!
HomeNZSL StoriesDeaf Rugby Trailblazers: The Schischka Family’s Ponsonby Legacy!

John Schischka shares stories about his father, Laurie, and uncles, John, Bob, and George – especially Laurie and Bob, who were both Deaf yet played for the Ponsonby senior rugby team. Their deafness never held them back on the field, though it did lead to some awkward moments, like having to backtrack after celebrating a try too soon because they didn’t hear the whistle!

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Taonga source:
John Schischka
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, JSADS-04-STO25
Note:
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